Well, we held our condo's annual meeting yesterday. Perhaps the most momentous in the 36 years since it's construction. On the docket—first ever special assessment.

We have major re-cladding (siding) to do, and to do it we need to pay for it. To pay for it we need a special assessment, averaging around $30,000 per unit. Twelve units. For fun, our declarations state we need 75% majority vote. Each unit votes by percent of value calculated long ago based on view, size, presence of skylight, ease of using parking space, size of storage space, etc.

The owner of the largest unit made out that he was blindsided by the assessment and complexity of the project. This is unfortunate, as the association/board doesn't get involved in the disclosure and discovery of a unit's sale. That's up to the parties involved. I personally had no way or reason to know what he did or did not understand about the condition of the building & what maintenance challenges we faced.

He's also been here about 7 or 8 months, and many board meeting minutes have been distributed where this project is a permanent topic of discussion. He could have made inquiries, dropped in on a board meeting, etc. Young man, first home, not well prepped on condo ownership, poor advice and wrong advice, etc. Dang.

At the last moment he had many legitimate questions for his understanding. He wanted to back up to consider painting rather than replacing, and review in detail why we had selected the vendors and materials, etc. I took most of Friday writing a response. It's the first time I had all week as I'm doing a big work gig Monday and needed to prep and pace myself.

Also, one of the owners asked us to knock on his door to make sure he was up. Turned out he was sick, so I got his proxy (he approved) and had him sign it.

We had a rep from the building construction consulting company drop in to tell the owners directly what his company provides and why it helps us.

How many many steps over the years? And it comes down to a few minutes with some people not involved over this time who need briefing on the history of the journey and our careful and due diligence. And some here the whole time and ready to get on with it.

The consultant left. Motion to reverse decision not to paint. Failed. Motion to delay to give this one owner more time. Failed (the proxies expired at the end of the meeting, and the board shouldn't be expected to do this all again).

Finally, roll call vote on the motion for a special assessment with a 5 percent increase in monthly assessments.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, abstain, no, yes, yes, yes.

Percentage of ownership voting yes... 83% It Passed! This part is DONE!?

I've been waiting to exhale for seven years.

EXHALE, breathe.

Keep stepping, it may work out,Lynx

"Vision is not enough. It must be combined with venture.It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs." Vaclav Havel

Yep, Elaine, that is what took the time. If we'd had a board that figured out how to bring it to a vote and weren't concerned with 100% agreement, this would be a done deal already and I'd be rolling in debt to pay back.